NEW DELHI: Soon, it will be mandatory for the city's power distribution companies (discoms) to check the consumption and payment records of consumers before accusing them of power theft. Citing a steep increase in the number of complaints of harassment against discoms, Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has decided to change the procedure for registering a case for unauthorized use of electricity against any consumer.
The amendments will be made in the proposed Delhi Electricity Supply Code and Performance Standards Regulations Draft-2012, which has been in the making for the last few years. However, the draft is now expected to be amended and put up on the DERC website by June.
"Since we have been getting complaints and suggestions internally from our members, and the public, we have decided to amend certain portions of the draft wherein we want to strengthen the part that deals with the procedure for booking a case for unauthorized use of electricity against any consumer," said P D Sudhakar, chairman, DERC.
As per the proposed amendments, discoms will not be allowed to register a theft case on the basis of mere "suspicion". Officials said in many cases it was found that discoms had booked people who have genuine meter faults without even checking their credentials. Once this regulation is approved, a consumer who has made regular payments against his consumption will be given ample chance to explain himself before being booked for theft.
DERC is also considering directing the discoms to collect concrete evidence against a consumer before registering a case. "We want them to strictly adhere to the principle of natural justice wherein consumers are mandatorily issued notice and given time to respond," Sudhakar said. Also, the draft suggests recording of complaints in the presence of a witness, who could be a neighbour. DERC sources claim to receive at least 50 cases of harassment by discoms in the name of power theft every year.
The draft supply and performance code has also suggested enhancement of fines being imposed on the discoms for delay in addressing consumers' complaints related to failed supply, burnt meters or a transformer snag. The fines may go up to Rs 100 per day, or even more. Discom performance codes were last reviewed in 2007. A public hearing to discuss the draft that has been on the website was held a year ago but it has remained in limbo.
with thanks : Times of India : LINK
